Russia, France may extend gas supply deal

MOSCOW, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Gazexport, an export arm of Russian energy giant Gazprom, may extend an agreement with Gaz de France on natural gas supplies for another eight years.

Gazexport's deputy director Sergei Yemelyanov said Thursday that talks between the two gas suppliers were under way; the current agreement on natural gas supplies lasts until 2012, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.

Gaz de France chief executive Jean-Francois Cirelli announced last month plans to sign a long-term agreement on natural gas supplies with Gazprom, making it a privileged partner for the French company.

State-run company Gaz de France is a major player on the European energy market. It produces, transports, distributes and sells gas and electricity to 13.8 million customers.